Rain Sheds Light on Seattle's Homeless

Rain Sheds Light on Seattle's Homeless

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission unveils “Lost and Found,” a series of water-activated murals based on acclaimed photographer Lee Jeffries’ portraits of the homeless. The limited-engagement installations bring attention to the city’s homeless in the moment of their greatest need and will be on display at Seattle Center, Westlake Center and Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission’s Men’s Shelter now through January 11, 2019.

“‘Lost and Found’ aims to remind the city’s residents that while most people seek immediate shelter when the rain begins to fall, for most of Seattle’s 12,000 homeless, there is no choice but to brave the elements,” said Terry Pallas, Chief Program Officer at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, whose services include search & rescue outreach, addiction recovery and shelter for those in need.

Jeffries’ portraits of the homeless, which have previously been featured in places like TIME magazine and CNN, have been reimagined by local Seattle muralist Ariel Parrow on a large 8’x8’ scale and make use of a unique, water-activated paint that renders them visible only in the rain.

“Lost and Found” will be on display throughout the holiday season, with all murals unveiled today. The public is invited to Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on the 12th from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. to view the mural and hear the stories of several formerly homeless individuals who found a new start thanks to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

To learn more about the “Lost and Found” murals and to hear additional stories of those who have found help through the Mission, please visit ugm.org/Found. The murals can be viewed now at: